Thank you, Chad Jones. Not just for saving LSU’s butts with your punt return TD and goal-line defense to preserve the Tigers’ win, but for giving me something to remember about this game that doesn’t make me want to slit my wrists.
I wish I could say I don’t remember being this frustrated watching LSU football. But, you know, there was Arkansas, Ole Miss, Troy, Alabama, Georgia and Florida just last year … It was ugly. Mississippi State was giving up 161 yards per game on the ground going in to this game. Even if you cancel out the bad punt attempt and intentional safety, LSU got 67. Keiland Williams averaged 2.2 yards per carry; Charles Scott 2.5. We gave up 374 yards to a team that managed just 341 against Vandy.
Without MSU’s four turnovers this game is lost. But we all know this. LSU is where LSU is going in to Georgia and Florida. I really see no point in looking back now. But I will say there are things that give me hope for the Georgia game, which I’ll get into later in the week.
Elsewhere in the SEC:
Ole Miss flamed out in a manner so spectacular that it is not to be believed. That was good to see, and I’m glad I didn’t give them any benefit of the doubt and picked South Carolina. That Ole Miss (2-1) was only dropped to No. 18 while South Carolina (3-1) remains unranked is a severe lack of justice.
Alabama shut down Arkansas in a major way, which has to make Georgia fans nervous. The game played out in the extreme of what I figured – Fonzie’s defense made the one-dimensional Hogs offense look silly.
Tim Tebow got his head cracked, and I hear Florida also won the game. Tebow’s status for our game Oct. 10 isn’t known, and it’s a hard thing to celebrate or regret. Obviously it would be an easier game for LSU if Tebow’s out, but I’d rather face their best than a second-teamer. But at the same time I would hate to see Tebow rushed back in for his own sake. Mock the Chosen One all we want, he’s a hell of a college player and apparently a good kid. I’d rather he not be concussed and get beaten up by LSU.
I called for a high-scoring game for Georgia against Arizona State, but we got something far different. Again, it’s something that informs my final view on LSU / Georgia this week. But the Dawgs were lucky to get out with this one.
Auburn made things interesting against Ball State, but ultimately threw down 560 yards of offense and 54 points. They pass the offensive test and will be interesting to watch in the next few weeks against Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky.
Vols, Vandy … blah blah blah.
For the week: 8-1; for the season 31-4.
The Dogs have been lucky to get out of each win. There’s only so far that they can play things close until they just fall flat on their face. I like close games but I’d be really happy to see a decisive victory.
Look out, there he goes, Chad Jo-ones. /alittlebitsofternow Look out, there he goes, Chad Jo-ones.
There you go, me contributing to what I predicted in real time would be the “stupid Advocate headline/LSU meme of the week”: Cannonesque Performance From Jones.
Whatever. This is getting extremely opposite of enjoyable.
BR Sports Radio chatter, courtesy of MLL:
1. Our O-line play is so poor because we are running so many different formations, each with different blocking schemes and responsibilities, that the linemen (especially the new guys) are simply confused. Sounds logical, but I don’t know.
1a. Corillary to the above: We can’t figure out what we do well and are experimenting with too many different formations. Simplify the offense, figure out what we do well, and execute that. Again, not sure this is the cure-all. Seems to me that the different formations are likely schemed to try and exploit different tendencies on the D you’re playing that week. I do agree with you that we need to have JJ throw to a spot and let our talented, fast receivers get there. Also, need to ditch the “option” (read: telegraphed pitch to Key) especially on the SHORT SIDE where having a cutting, juking, open space runner is negated. Also, more Russell, who disappeared in the second half.
2. We need to play more of our super-talented freshmen. Not just Reuben, but linemen, linebackers, etc. I guess the coaches are supposed to be in the best position to know who’s game ready and who’s not, but it seems like games against Southwestern, Vandy and pre-Dan Mullen Miss. State are the ones in which to play the young guys and find out.